India Backs Burmese Gas Over Burmese Democracy
Taking a lesson from the Chinese playbook, India's screwing over democratic activists in Burma--at a time when they need it the most and are actually gathering momentum.
The irony here is that kowtowing to the generals has proven ineffective in the past. Last month Indian oil ministers said Burma had agreed to sell most of the gas from two hotly contested blocks to China -- reneging on an agreement it had made with Indian oil companies.No it wouldn't. Nor would it hurt India to act like a responsible world power interested in human rights and democracy. They're going to be one in the next decade; do they want to be seen as a benevolent and respected nation, or a parvenu kleptocracy?Burma's democracy movement has a long way to go. A little help from friends wouldn't hurt.
As for the Burma issue, I expect awareness of that little dictatorial nightmare to pick up once a certain American ambassador of goodwill makes a cinematic visit this fall.